Lived Experiences of Low-Income Unmarried Women in Rural Botswana: A Narrative Approach

AbstractThe research explored the lived experiences of low-income single mothers, to understand the psychosocial life course pathways that might expose them to chains of risks. Studies have found a high prevalence of co-occurring poverty, single parenthood, unemployment, violence, and multiple life traumas among rural unmarried women. It is important to explore how single mothers are vulnerable to poverty and its many effects and how these factors heighten adverse experiences of unmarried rural women. Fifteen low-income unmarried Botswana mothers were purposively sampled. A narrative approach was used to collect data, allowing participants to share detailed lived experiences from childhood to adulthood. The study used a life course framework to explore the lived experiences, transitions, events, and trajectories of the women ’s lives. Women’s narratives conveyed exposure to emotional, physical abuse and neglect in childhood; teenage pregnancy and the poverty connection; exposure to intimate partner violence; and multiple pregnancies and promised and suspended marriage. The study suggests that several life events and experiences have negatively influenced and skewed transitions and trajectories in the lives of low-income women. There is need for establishment of family policy and safety net programmes to cater for low-income mothers’ families.

Source: Global Social Welfare - March 11, 2023 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research